That:

1)        the selection of the school sites as listed in the report, to meet primary school sufficiency for 2016/2017, be approved;

2)        the commissioning of work to carry out the detailed feasibility, and subject to approval of final capital bids and business cases, to deliver the necessary works be authorised.

The Executive considered a report setting out Phase 1 of the Primary Strategy Implementation Plan which would ensure that there were sufficient school places to discharge the Council’s duties under the Education Act 1996.

The Executive Member for Children’s Services explained that the report provided further detail on the expansion of selected schools in the areas of Woodley, Earley and the south west and set out how many places would be required, how they would be delivered and what the indicative costs could be.  The report also highlighted the fact that it was better to increase school places in a school that had a small planned admission number as this could improve its viability.

It was noted that capital works had also been considered as part of the Implementation Plan as it was very important that such works did not impinge on teaching and learning.  Councillor Haitham Taylor highlighted those schools which were proposed for expansion and which had been chosen for various reasons including those where traffic and parking issues could be minimised and also because they were schools that provided good quality education and were popular with parents.

Councillor Pollock asked if reassurance could be given around the Shinfield proposal and whether Ryeish Green had sufficient space and also if the physical works would be completed on time?  Councillor Haitham Taylor responded that there were currently two different options available.  The first option was to use of the former 6^th form block which was not currently big enough to accommodate one form of entry but with some temporary accommodation alongside it would be sufficient prior to moving on to the new school site when it became available.  The second option was working with Oakbank Secondary School, which was on the existing site, as they school had some spare accommodation which subject to negotiations might be available instead of the 6^th form block. 

Councillor Pollock also highlighted the many traffic and access issues arising from the proposal and wanted to ensure that these would be addressed. Councillor Haitham Taylor confirmed that the provider of the school would need to put forward a travel plan which would require Council agreement.

RESOLVED that:

1)        the selection of the school sites as listed in the report, to meet primary school sufficiency for 2016/2017, be approved;

2)        the commissioning of work to carry out the detailed feasibility, and subject to approval of final capital bids and business cases, to deliver the necessary works be authorised.